Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue steps aside due to health issues

Uncertainty around the Cavaliers continues to build as they head into the playoffs. Head coach Tyronn Lue announced Monday he will temporarily step down from his position due to health complications. He says he’s been battling chest pains all season long, which have forced him to leave the bench mid-game three times this season.

“After many conversations with our doctors and (general manager) Koby (Altman) and much thought given to what is best for the team and my health, I need to step back from coaching for the time being and focus on trying to establish a stronger and healthier foundation from which to coach for the rest of the season,” Lue said in a statement.

Assistant Larry Drew will take over for the time being.

After a post-trade deadline surge, the Cavaliers have once again been marred with inconsistent play and reports of in-fighting. Most recently, LeBron James got into a shouting match with Lue on Cleveland’s bench last week during a road loss to the Blazers.

On Saturday, after Lue left the game at halftime, James said he was concerned for his coach. “We worry about his health, obviously,” James told reporters. “That’s way more important than this game of basketball. We know he’s been doing everything he needs to do to stay healthy. Take even more measures to get himself right. Everything that’s been going on with our year, it’s just another one.”

The 40-29 Cavaliers are the third-seed in the Eastern Conference, 6.5 games behind the Celtics. Though the Celtics are heading into the playoffs banged up, they aren’t the only Eastern Conference contender dealing with internal challenges.

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